Johnny Manziel’s return to the football field was a breath of fresh air for college football fans – for a few minutes. Manziel immediately stirred up controversy by making a fake signature gesture towards one of Rice’s players – Nick Elder. But if you ask Elder, there was no controversy – they’re actually friends. Elder took to Twitter to defend Manziel.

@espn I was the one who johnny was talking too. He said “what’s up nick, nice hit.” True story

For the record, Manziel does follow Elder on Twitter, so the two definitely know each other.

While Elder’s defense of Manziel clearly demonstrates the media’s ability to blow things out of proportion, Manziel had to realize that making any sort of autograph/signature gesture was going to get play, regardless.